Olympics-Franklin books London berth as Coughlin struggles

OMAHA, Nebraska, June 27 (Reuters) - If the experts areright, Missy Franklin is already on her way to becoming the nextbig thing in women's swimming. But achieving her dream couldcome at a high price.

To achieve her goals, Franklin faces the bittersweetprospect of having to shatter the dreams of one of her idols,Natalie Coughlin.

The pair are entered in many of the same events at the U.S.Olympic trials and there is no room for any mistakes with onlythe top two from each event making the team for London.

On Wednesday, Franklin booked her place to her firstOlympics when she won the 100 meters backstroke final in asizzling 58.85 seconds.

She raised her arms in triumph and flashed a smile when thepublic announcer revealed she had also broken the Americanrecord, previously held by Coughlin, who was also in the final.

Coughlin finished third after leading the field through thefirst lap in world record pace and did not qualify. TheCalifornian had won the event at the last two Olympics but willnot defend her title in London.

Worse still, she is suddenly in danger of missing theOlympic team altogether. After the first three days ofcompetition, Coughlin, who swam six events in Beijing four yearsago, has one last opportunity to make the team.

The 29-year-old's hopes remain with the 100m freestyle,where she needs to finish in the top six to at least make therelay.

"Natalie means the world to me," Franklin said.

"She still has other chances to make the team and I amabsolutely praying for her that she does because I want to learnmore from her and I would love to be on another team with her."

Franklin swam with Coughlin at last year's worldchampionships in Shanghai. Coughlin won a bronze medal in the100m backstroke, which Franklin did not contest, while Franklinwon the 200m.

"Hopefully I can take all the things that she has taught meand continue on after she is retired, or whatever it isshe plans to do," Franklin said.

"I don't think I'm ready for Natalie to go, because I'll missher so much ... but I am ready to be part of an Olympic Team,ready to represent Team USA."